What Is the Piece That Holds the Brake Pads Called?

In most disc-brake systems, the piece that holds the brake pads is the brake caliper—more precisely, the caliper bracket (also called the carrier) that the pads sit in; in drum brakes, the analogous part is the backing plate, and on bicycle rim brakes, the pad is held by a brake shoe. These terms vary by brake type and design, but they all describe the component that locates and secures the friction material in position against the rotor or rim.

How the Parts Work Together in Disc Brakes

On cars and many motorcycles, disc brakes rely on a caliper that houses one or more pistons. When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure pushes the pistons, squeezing the brake pads against the rotor to create friction and slow the wheel. The caliper often mounts to a caliper bracket (also called a carrier or anchor bracket), which bolts to the knuckle or axle. In floating (sliding) calipers, the bracket physically supports the brake pads and provides the abutment surfaces that the pads slide against. Stainless abutment clips and guide pins let the caliper move smoothly.

Fixed calipers, common in performance applications, bolt rigidly to the knuckle. In these designs, the pads typically sit directly in the caliper body and are secured by pad retaining pins and a spring plate. Even then, people commonly refer to “the caliper” as the piece that holds the pads.

Names Vary by Brake Type

Because braking systems differ by vehicle and application, the correct term depends on what you’re looking at. The list below summarizes the standard names across common systems so you can match the term to your setup.

• Automotive disc brakes (floating caliper): Caliper bracket (carrier/anchor) holds the pads; the caliper houses the piston(s) and clamps the pads to the rotor.
• Automotive disc brakes (fixed caliper): Caliper body holds the pads, which are retained by pins/plates; no sliding bracket supports the pads’ movement.
• Motorcycle disc brakes: Typically a fixed or floating caliper; pads fit in the caliper and are retained by pins and a spring clip.
• Bicycle disc brakes: Caliper holds the pads; pads are usually retained by a pin or clip.
• Bicycle rim brakes: Brake shoe (pad holder) clamps the pad against the wheel rim.
• Automotive drum brakes: Backing plate holds the brake shoes and hardware instead of pads.

These terms help clarify conversations at the parts counter or in repair guides, ensuring you get exactly the component you need for your specific brake design.

How to Identify What You Have

If you’re unsure which component “holds” your pads, a quick visual check helps. For a floating automotive caliper, look for a U-shaped bracket bolted to the knuckle—your pads slip into this bracket, often sitting on stainless abutment clips. The caliper then slides over the bracket on guide pins. In a fixed caliper, the pads slide into channels within the caliper body itself and are retained by visible cross-pins and a spring plate. On bicycles with rim brakes, the small metal holder that clamps the rubber pad is the brake shoe; for bicycle discs, the small caliper at the rotor holds the pads.

Common Synonyms You May Encounter

Parts catalogs and mechanics often use interchangeable names. The following list outlines frequent synonyms so you can translate between them.

• Caliper bracket = Caliper carrier = Anchor bracket
• Abutment clips = Pad hardware = Caliper hardware
• Pad retaining pins/plates = Pad pins/spring clip (fixed calipers)
• Brake shoe (bicycles, rim brakes) = Pad holder
• Backing plate (drum brakes) = Shoe backing plate

Recognizing these synonyms helps avoid ordering mistakes and makes service manuals easier to follow.

Bottom Line

For disc brakes, most people will correctly say the brake caliper holds the pads. If you need the specific part that the pads sit in on a floating design, ask for the caliper bracket (carrier). For drum systems, the backing plate holds the shoes, and for bicycle rim brakes, the pad holder is called the brake shoe.

Summary

The component that holds the brake pads is generally the brake caliper. In floating disc brakes, the pads sit in the caliper bracket (carrier), while fixed calipers retain pads directly in the caliper body with pins and springs. Drum brakes use a backing plate to hold shoes, and bicycle rim brakes use a brake shoe (pad holder). Knowing which system you have ensures you use the right term and get the correct part.

What is the thing that holds your brake pads?

The pads are attached to a brake caliper assembly that frames the rotor. Located on the rear of the vehicle, drum brakes feature wheel cylinders, brake shoes and a brake drum.

What happens if brake pad clips break?

• Reduced Brake Performance: The clips help hold the brake pads in place and ensure they make proper contact with the rotor.
• Noise: Worn or loose spring clips can cause rattling or squeaking noises when braking.

Can you drive without a brake retaining clip?

Brake pad clips, also known as anti-rattle clips, are essential components of your vehicle’s braking system. They are designed to hold the brake pads in place, reduce noise, and ensure even wear of the pads. These retaining clips play a critical role in maintaining the overall health and efficiency of your brakes.

How much does it cost to replace a caliper on a car?

The average cost for a Brake Caliper Replacement is between $810 and $929. Labor costs are estimated between $157 and $231 while parts are priced between $653 and $698. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.